Monthly Archives: February 2015

Grand Canyon to Celebrate President’s Day Weekend with Free Entry

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Grand Canyon open for free President's Day Weekend.

Grand Canyon open for free President’s Day Weekend.

GRAND CANYON – If you guys are looking for somewhere to take your honey this weekend, the Grand Canyon National Park will be open free in honor of Presidents Day Saturday, February 14, 2015 through Monday, February 16, 2015.

Park visitors are reminded that fee-free designation applies to entrance fees only and does not affect fees for camping, reservations, guided tours, or use of concessions. Park entrance stations will have the Interagency Senior and Annual Passes available for those who wish to purchase them. Visitors who plan to spend time in the park beyond February 16th will need to pay the regular entrance fee for the remainder of their stay.

Grand Canyon’s South Rim sits at approximately 7,000 feet. As a result, visitors should be prepared for winter weather and driving conditions, and should be aware that road closures and temporary suspension of shuttle service may occur with little or no notice if winter weather passes through the area.

The long-range weather forecast, however, is predicting temperatures in the 60s with lows around 40 with some cloudiness. Water is always something visitors do not think about.

Dogs are also welcome but are required to be on a leash at all times.

State Route 89A partially reopened in Oak Creek Canyon switchbacks

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File Photo

File Photo

PHOENIX — State Route 89A in the Oak Creek Canyon switchbacks (mileposts 387-390) was partially reopened this morning after crews reopened the southbound lane, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Both lanes of SR 89A were closed Saturday afternoon after a sinkhole was spotted on the northbound lane of the two-lane roadway.

Both directions of traffic will be guided through the area with assistance from a flagger until the northbound lane is reopened.

ADOT started the repairs after geotechnical engineers completed an inspection Monday that determined the repairs could start immediately. Crews used heavy equipment to excavate a six-foot deep, eight-foot-wide section of the roadway to remove loose material underneath the pavement near milepost 388.

Today, ADOT is scheduled to repave the northbound lane after filling the void with a liquid concrete-cement mix that needed to harden overnight before work can begin.

State Route 89A switchbacks remains closed, sinkhole repairs started today

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adot-logo-03aPHOENIX — Repairs of the roadway damage caused from a sinkhole started today along State Route 89A in the Oak Creek Canyon switchbacks, but the roadway remains closed (mileposts 387-390) and is expected to remain closed until later this week, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Crews used heavy equipment to excavate a six-foot deep, eight-foot wide section of the roadway today to remove loose material underneath the pavement near milepost 388, where the sinkhole was originally spotted on Saturday afternoon on the northbound lane.

After the earthwork was completed, crews filled the void with a liquid concrete-cement mix that needs to harden for at least 24 hours before the roadway can be repaved. In an effort to expedite the repairs as soon as possible, ADOT is currently contacting potential contractors to get the asphalt that will be needed to complete the paving.

Prior to construction, a team of geotechnical engineers conducted a field inspection of the sinkhole this morning and determined that it could be repaired immediately.

With SR 89A closed from the Pine Flats Campground to the Vista Point scenic overlook, the recommended detour from Sedona to Flagstaff is to take State Route 179 to Interstate 17. The detour could add up to an extra half hour of travel time for motorists commuting between Sedona and Flagstaff.

Detox Transforms Health and Nutrition Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Dietary Supplements

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dextrol-recallDetox Transforms Health and Nutrition, Garner, NC announced it is conducting a voluntary recall of the following dietary supplements, to the consumer level, because they contain undeclared drug ingredients making them unapproved drugs.

Product Name Bottle Color Label # Capsules UPC Lot Expiration
EDGE Amplified Weight Release White Purple label 60 852175004174 ALL
iNDiGO White Dark blue label 60 852175004044 000034 4/10/2017
AMPD Gold Bee Pollen White Black label 60 852175004181 ALL
BtRim Max White Dark Red label 60 852175004068 00002 4/27/2017
iNSANE Bee Pollen White Bright Red label 60 852175004082 0000:02 6/20/2017

FDA analysis found iNDiGO and BtRim Max to contain undeclared phenolphthalein. The health risks of phenolphthalein could include potentially serious gastrointestinal disturbances, irregular heartbeat, and cancer with long-term use. FDA analysis found EDGE Amplified Weight Release and iNSANE Bee Pollen to contain undeclared phenolphthalein and fluoxetine. In addition to the potential adverse health consequences for phenolphthalein, the concomitant use of fluoxetine with other medications such as MAO-Inhibitors and serotonin precursors (such as tryptophans) is either contraindicated or is not recommended. Fluoxetine is an SSRI with potentially life-threatening side effects that is given to patients to treat depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or bulimia. Even when taken as prescribed, fluoxetine has been associated with serious side effects including suicidal thinking, abnormal bleeding, and seizures. Thus, any adverse reaction that is possible with fluoxetine is possible with the fluoxetine-containing dietary supplement product. In patients on other medications for common conditions (aspirin, ibuprofen, or other drugs for depression, anxiety, bipolar illness, blood clots, chemotherapy, heart conditions, and psychosis), ventricular arrhythmia or sudden death can occur with concomitant use of fluoxetine. FDA analysis found AMPD Gold Bee Pollen to contain undeclared sildenafil which has the potential to interact with medications. Males taking nitrates are at risk for life threatening hypotensive events. Certain medications such as ritonavir, ketoconazole, and itraconazole as well as consuming substantial amounts of alcohol can increase the effects of sildenafil.

The products were distributed nationwide via the internet and retail stores. No illnesses have been reported to date with the use of these products.

Detox Transforms has ceased distribution of the products as the company is working in close cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fully resolve this issue. Detox Transforms is notifying its distributors and customers by email, telephone, and mail and is arranging for return of all recalled products. Consumers/distributors/retailers that have these products which are being recalled should stop use and return to place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall may contact Detox Transforms at 877-404-7873 or 919-341-9050 between the hours of 10am – 6pm (EST), Monday through Friday. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with these of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

Search for missing Texas man scaled back

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GRAND CANYON – Twenty-one year old Drake L. Kramer remains missing at Grand Canyon National Park and a six day search by the National Park Service has turned up no additional clues as to his whereabouts.

Kramer was last seen on Sunday, February 1 in the vicinity of the Bright Angel Lodge on the South Rim. He had spent the previous night as a guest at the lodge and checked out on the morning of the 1st. He was reported missing by members of his family on Monday, February 2nd.

For the past six days park rangers have extensively searched the South Rim developed area stretching from Hermit’s Rest on the west side to Grandview on the east. Teams of searchers have walked miles along the canyon rim, searched heavily forested areas, utilized dog teams, performed several over the rim technical searches, and conducted multiple aerial reconnaissance missions to support ground searchers.

Kramer is described as 5’7, 140 pounds, brown hair and blue eyes. He is last known to be wearing blue jeans and an olive green sweatshirt.

With no additional clues to guide search efforts on land, the search will be scaled back to a continuous, but limited mode in which rangers and pilots will continue to search for clues when in the area.

In addition, flyers with Kramer’s picture and description remain posted at various South Rim locations and anyone who may have information regarding his whereabouts is encouraged to call National Park Service Silent Witness Line at 928-638-7840. Any additional clues collected will guide future search efforts.

State Route 89A closed at Oak Creek Canyon because of a sinkhole

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State Route 89A is closed at the Oak Creek Canyon switchbacks due to a sinkhole which appeared on the roadway during the weekend. The highway is closed in both directions between mileposts 387-390, between Sedona and Flagstaff. Motorists can use Interstate 17 as an alternate route.

The closure is expected to remain while investigations regarding the cause of the sinkhole and repairs can be made. An announcement will be made once the situation has been remedied and the switchbacks are available for use. Investigations are underway and are expected to continue through the week.

See’s Candies, Inc. Issues alert on Red Heart with Assorted Chocolates

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ucm433410SAN FRANCISCO — See’s Company of San Francisco is recalling all 8 oz Classic Red Hearts with Assorted Chocolates with bar code 737666091201 and stamped date L.A.N. 048/15 because it contains undeclared tree nuts. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to tree nuts (e.g.: almonds, walnuts, pecans, coconut) run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Product was distributed nationwide through See’s Candies Retail Stores and Mail Order (Web/Phone/Catalog). The product is sold packaged at the stores in 8oz Red Heart boxes. No illnesses have been reported to date. The product UPC is: 737666091201.ucm433411

The recall was initiated after a retail store discovered a red heart with the incorrectly labeled base mixed in with properly labeled bases.

Consumers who have purchased Sees’ Candies Classic Red Hearts with Assorted Chocolates with bar code 737666091201 and lot L.A.N.048/15 and are sensitive to tree nuts are urged to return the hearts to the place of purchase for a full refund or exchange. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-789-7337 (Monday thru Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm PDT).

Search Area Expands for Missing San Antonio Man at Grand Canyon National Park

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GRAND CANYON – (Feb. 6) Today National Park Service Search and Rescue crews expanded the search area for missing San Antonio man, Drake L. Kramer. Kramer, 21 was reported missing by family on Monday, February 2.

The search area was expanded east from the South Rim developed area along Highway 64 towards Grandview. National Park Service personnel assigned to the search have walked dozens of miles along the rim of the canyon, covered several miles of wooded area, traversed along the edge of the canyon walls, and in some instances completed technical rappelling searches over the edge. The park helicopter continues to provide aerial supervision and reconnaissance.

Drake L. Kramer of San Antonio, TX was reported missing by a family member on February 2. His last known location was at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Kramer spent the night of January 31 at the Bright Angel Lodge and checked out on the morning of February 1. He is described as 21 years old, 5’7, 140 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. It is unknown what he was last wearing, it is known that he favors dark colored clothing and typically wears a backwards baseball hat.

The National Park Service is currently conducting a Search and Rescue operation. A missing persons investigation is on-going. No further information is available at this time.Any individual who may have had contact with or has with information on the location of Drake Kramer should contact the National Park Service Silent Witness Line at 928-638-7840.

Transportation projects in 2015 to drive economic development in Arizona

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PHOENIX — The new year is shaping up to be a big year for the Arizona Department of Transportation, as the agency will be working on several new and existing projects that will aid economic development and support the efficient movement of goods and services across the state.

All of the projects will be funded with federal and state highway funds, which are collected through gas and vehicle license taxes. In the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas, voters have approved supplemental tax revenue that enables more transportation projects to move forward in their respective regions.

Phoenix-Area Projects for 2015

Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway
ADOT expects to release the Record of Decision for the long-proposed South Mountain Freeway this spring and work toward selecting a contractor for the proposed $1.9 billion project. The 22-mile-long freeway would run east and west along Pecos Road and then turn north between 55th and 63rd avenues, connecting with I-10 on each end. The South Mountain Freeway is also part of the Regional Transportation Plan funding passed by Maricopa County voters in 2004 through Proposition 400.

Loop 101 and Loop 202 Widening Projects in East Valley
Much of the focus on freeway improvements in the metro Phoenix area will remain on projects that broke ground in 2014 and are due for completion in 2016. The $73 million Loop 101 widening project between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) in the Scottsdale area is adding an additional lane in each direction along 11 miles of the Pima Freeway, as well as merge lanes between most major interchanges. The $109 million project to widen the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway between Loop 101 in Tempe and Broadway Road in east Mesa also will advance, with new general purpose lanes being added between Loop 101 and Gilbert Road, along with HOV lanes between Gilbert Road and Broadway Road.

Interstate 10/Loop 303 Interchange
Among the new freeway projects scheduled to start this year is the “south half” of the Interstate 10/Loop 303 Interchange, which will complete all ramp connections between the two freeways in Goodyear. Work is expected to start this fall. The north half of the interchange opened last August and, combined with a widened Loop 303 north of I-10, has been embraced by West Valley communities as much-needed infrastructure to help drive economic development in the region.

Additional Loop 303 Improvements in Northwest Valley
Farther north along Loop 303, ADOT will launch a project to add an interchange at El Mirage Road by this spring. The new interchange will be built at the same time that crews are improving Loop 303 into a six-lane freeway between Grand Avenue (US 60) and Happy Valley Parkway in Peoria. A third project already underway is creating improved connections at the Loop 303/Grand Avenue interchange. All three projects are scheduled for completion in 2016.

US 60 Improvements in Surprise
Also in Surprise, a project to build a Bell Road bridge over Grand Avenue (US 60) and new ramps connecting the two roadways is scheduled to start late in the year, after a design-build contracting team is selected by ADOT.

Tucson-Area Projects for 2015

Interstate 19 Traffic Interchange Reconstruction (Ajo Way)
In 2015, ADOT will begin work to replace the existing Interstate 19 traffic interchange at State Route 86, also known as Ajo Way, with a single-point urban interchange. The modern interchange will feature a single set of traffic signals, rather than signals at multiple locations. The $86 million project is expected to improve traffic flow and enhance safety for motorists traveling through Tucson’s southwest side. Construction is expected to continue through 2017 and will also include widening I-19 from Ajo Way to Irvington Road and widening SR 86 to three lanes in each direction between 16th Avenue and Holiday Isle.

State Route 77 Widening (Tangerine Road to Pinal County Line)
After starting work in summer 2014, ADOT will continue efforts to upgrade a six-mile section of SR 77 (Oracle Road) between Tangerine Road and the Pinal county line from two lanes to three lanes in each direction. Along with widening the roadway, planned improvements include raised medians, traffic signal and drainage improvements, wildlife crossings, sound walls and multiuse paths. The $33.9 million project is slated to take two years to complete.

State Route 86 Widening (Valencia to Kinney Roads)
In 2015, ADOT is expected to begin construction on expanding SR 86 (Ajo Highway) in each direction from Valencia to Kinney roads in Pima County, 10 miles west of downtown Tucson. This seven-mile-long, $55 million project in Pima County will enhance safety and improve traffic flow on the highway, which serves as a regional transportation route between Tucson and south-central Arizona. SR 86 provides access to the Tohono O’odham Nation and is widely used to reach the popular tourist destination in Mexico called Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point.

Statewide Projects for 2015

Northern Arizona

US 93 Widening (State Route 71 to State Route 89 and Antelope Wash sections)
ADOT will continue long-standing efforts to transform the heavily traveled corridor between Phoenix and Las Vegas into a modern four-lane divided highway throughout the entire 200-mile stretch with two US 93 widening projects this year. After beginning last year, ADOT will complete upgrading a three-mile segment of US 93 (Antelope Wash), located approximately 20 miles north of Wikieup (mileposts 101-104) this summer. A second US 93 widening project (State Route 71 to State Route 89), just north of Wickenburg (mileposts 185-190), is expected to break ground this spring.

State Route 89A Spot Widening (Vista Overlook to JW Powell)
This $22.5 million project is slated to improve safety and traffic flow by widening the roadway and constructing passing lanes entering and exiting Oak Creek Canyon through an eight-mile stretch from the popular tourist destination Vista Overlook to the JW Powell interchange, three miles south of Flagstaff. Design of the project is nearly complete and ADOT hopes to start construction this year.

Interstate 40 Pavement Improvements (various projects)
ADOT has several major resurfacing projects in the works along the nearly 360-mile-long I-40, which is one of Arizona’s Key Commerce Corridors, as it stretches from California to the New Mexico state line, Three major pavement preservation projects are set to take place in 2015. This spring will complete final paving on the Rattlesnake Wash to US 93 (mileposts 57-72) section east of Kingman after the project began last summer. Later this year, ADOT will start two new resurfacing projects east of Flagstaff, including the Navajo county line to Minnetoka (milepost 250-259) and Walnut Canyon to Twin Arrows (milepost 214-218) segments.

US 89 Landslide Repairs (near Bitter Springs)
ADOT is scheduled to reopen US 89 south of Page after the highway was closed on Feb. 20, 2013 after a landslide caused serious damage to the highway near the Echo Cliffs. Major work on the repairs began on Aug. 11, 2014 as crews began excavating nearly one million cubic yards of rock near the highway to build a buttress, which will stabilize and reinforce the mountain slope that carries the roadway. The $25 million repair project remains on target to reopen to traffic this spring, in advance of this summer’s tourism season in Page and Lake Powell.

Southern Arizona

US 60 Widening (Silver King/Superior Streets)
This spring, ADOT is expected to start a project to convert the last remaining two-lane roadway segment on US 60 between Phoenix and Superior into a modern, four-lane divided highway. The $45 million project (mileposts 222-227), which will also include improving the urban section of highway in Superior, is expected to take two years to complete.

US 95 Fortuna Wash Bridge
This $13.5 million project is part of a larger corridor improvement project for US 95, the north and south corridor between Yuma and Quartzsite. US 95 is also the main route to the Yuma Proving Ground, which is one of the largest employers in Yuma County and one of the Army’s busiest training sites in the U.S. This project includes a bridge over Fortuna Wash, which often floods during heavy rains. This project is scheduled to begin in the spring.

US 95 San Luis Street Improvements
This $11 million project includes reconfiguring San Luis Port of Entry traffic off US 95 in San Luis to facilitate business along Main Street. The project, which began in October 2014, will help the circulation of traffic, enhance pedestrian safety and improve access to downtown businesses near the U.S.-Mexico international border. Work will be completed this year.

Major Studies

Interstate 11
ADOT’s Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study continues to move forward. This year, work will begin on an Environmental Impact Statement which will allow ADOT to begin an environmental study in the area between Nogales and Wickenburg, part of the proposed Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor. The $15 million Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement is expected to take three years to complete, once work gets underway later this year. Interstate 11, which will connect Arizona to the entire Intermountain West, is one of our state’s Key Commerce Corridors. I-11 is being planned as a multimodal freight corridor and a manufacturing belt that will drive trade, commerce, job growth and economic development while facilitating strong connections to other major markets.

Passenger Rail
The next major step for ADOT’s Passenger Rail Corridor Study: Tucson to Phoenix is to publish the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for public review. Three public hearings will be held later this year in Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties to allow community members to comment on the recommendations of the study. Following the public review process, the final recommendations and environmental considerations will be issued on the Final Environmental Impact Statement for federal approval. ADOT is currently evaluating three final rail alternatives. The Passenger Rail Corridor Study is expected to be completed later this year. ADOT’s mission is to evaluate and implement modes of transportation to provide a well-balanced, flexible transportation system that moves people and commerce throughout Arizona.

ADOT launches Web-based tool for commercial carriers, drivers

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PHOENIX – With more than 70 permit options for commercial drivers, the Arizona Department of Transportation’s new online tool allows for quick, accurate information in one stop.

The ADOT Enforcement and Compliance Division implemented this new system, Electronic Permit and Routing Online – known as ePRO.

“The efficient and safe movement of freight is a keystone to improve Arizona’s economic foundation,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “To stay competitive, Arizona must provide our business partners with solid information about safe, reliable routes to support travel decisions. Systems like ePRO support that mission.”

The online system creates a one-stop, self-service tool to obtain the necessary permits and also receive up-to-date validation of routing information and roadway travel restrictions. Each year, ADOT issues more than 250,000 permits for 3,000 commercial carriers operating in Arizona.

ADOT began working with the commercial vehicle carriers three years ago to develop an online permit system that meets the needs of the industry.

“The safe and efficient movement of freight is crucial to Arizona’s economic success. The ePRO permitting system is an important step in ensuring Arizona does not become an unnecessary bottleneck in delivering goods and products,” said Tony Bradley, president and CEO of the Arizona Trucking Association.

Previously, permits were issued at Arizona ports of entry and at central permitting offices. This process did not allow for the customer to receive timely routing or roadway travel restrictions, which had to be provided by an ADOT employee to complete the permit process.

“The new ePRO system provides better service, reduces costs and provides critical support to the professional driving community,” Halikowski said.

The new ePRO system expedites the permit issuance process through self-service convenience, allowing 24/7 access to obtain most permits, along with those for typical oversize and overweight loads.

Carriers and drivers desiring to use ePRO will be required to obtain a user sign-in and password. The online system is a secure environment using the latest encryption technology and will accept major credit cards for the purchase of permits.

The ePRO system, along with finding locations where permits can be obtained, can be found on the ADOT Website at www.azdot.gov/permits.